• 2022 – PRESIDENT'S AWARD

Anna Hicks, MD
AdventHealth Hendersonville

Today we honor Aging Projects, Inc., 2022 President’s Award Recipient.
The President’s Award is the highest honor we bestow upon an organization or individual.

Many things come to mind when we think about previous recipients and todays honorary. They are passionate about their field of endeavor. They deeply care about the individuals they serve. They want to educate, and empower individuals to take better care of their health. It’s a topic that each year, millions of older adults, those 65 and older will face. North Carolina 65+ populations ranks 8th in the nation. North Carolina persons 65+ account for 25.4% of our population. In the next 20 years our 65+ population is projected to increase 52% and our 85+ population 116%. By 2028 1 in 5 North Carolinians will be over 65+ and there will be more 65+ persons than children under 18.

Why is this so important to today’s recipient? As a Board Certified Geriatrician she has guided AdventHealth Hendersonville recognition as among the first health systems in the county and the first in North Carolina to receive the Age - Friendly Health System - Committed to Care Excellence designation. She champions Age - Friendly initiatives including the Age-Friendly Task Force. The focus is on the best care, best practices and best care for adults 65+. “Providing whole person care, for every older adult matters. We can help older adults live better fuller lives.”

It is my honor to present Aging Projects, Inc., 2022 President’s Award to Anna Hicks, MD with AdventHealth Hendersonville.

• 2022 – COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD

AdventHealth Hendersonville

Today we honor Aging Projects, Inc., 2022 Community Partnership Award Recipient.

Several thoughts come to mind when we think of a community partnership supporting aging in place. A culture of sharing resources, a culture educating and informing the communities we live-in and work-in, a culture of health, a culture of restoring health. In other words, a partnership between community stakeholders to “build a culture of aging in place.”

Aging Projects, Inc. developed the “Aging in Place. It’s in Your Future.” national conference series in 2014 to educate, develop future best practices, contain aging in place costs and “support people to maintain the quality and safety of life at home.” Since the inception of the national conference series in 2014, one community stakeholder has embraced our vision year after year. One community stakeholder has supported you to maintain the quality and safety of life at home. You will recognize their name. You will recognize their name each and every time you visit Aging Projects, Inc. to find resources to age in place.

It is my honor to present Aging Projects, Inc. 2022 Community Partnership Award to AdventHealth Hendersonville.

• 2022 – ADVOCACY & AWARENESS AWARD

Kristin Goodwin, M.S.

Today we honor Aging Projects, Inc., 2022 Advocacy & Awareness Award Recipient.

What is advocacy and awareness? Advocacy is the act of advocating, or speaking or writing in support of an idea, passion or vision. What is Awareness? Awareness is the state or condition of being aware, the object to raise awareness. Together they are powerful. Together they have a multiplying force. Together they have a positive community impact.

Today’s recipient is no stranger to serving older adults throughout North Carolina. Her passion working with seniors has blossomed over the years working as a CNA, private duty home health aid and as a hospice volunteer. As an undergraduate, she researched how occupational therapy promotes and facilitates meaning, purpose and membership in the community for the elderly. At Winston-Salem State University she assisted in the development of a therapeutic horticulture program for individuals facing mental health challenges. Working with LimbTech and No Place Like Home WNC PLLC she developed Accessible WNC “to promote awareness & inclusion in WNC for older adults and people experiencing mobility challenges & disabilities.” Accessible WNC highlights accessible locations, events and activities in WNC. She believes occupational therapist have the ability to implement interventions, enhance well-being and help our aging population thrive aging in place.

It is my honor to present Aging Projects, Inc. 2022 Advocacy & Awareness Award to Kristin Goodwin M.S. Occupational Therapy Student.

• 2022 – PROVIDER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Amy Siegler, OTD, OTR/L, BOCO — LimbTech
  and
Sheila O’Conner, MA, OTR, CAPS — No Place Like Home WNC, PLLC

Today we honor two Aging Projects, Inc., Provider of the Year Award Recipients.

Our Aging Provider Inc. Providers are committed to maintaining the highest level of professional service.
They are committed to honest dealings, integrity, compassion, and kindness. They have one simple goal in mind. Supporting people to maintain the quality and safety of life at home and in their community.

Here in Western North Carolina two providers share a unique commitment. A unique synergism. They share a common commitment supporting and fostering one’s independence in their homes, their workplace and their community. They partner with stakeholders throughout Western North Carolina to educate, raise awareness, and decrease the stigmas associated with the challenges people face to gain and maintain their independence.

Limbtech was founded from a passion for mobility-related diagnoses. Limbtech stands for “technology for your limbs.” They provide comprehensive evaluations for seating equipment, such as wheelchairs, standers, other seating systems and transportation needs to increase participation in everyday tasks, social events, self-esteem and overall quality of life.

No Place Like Home WNC, PLLC was founded on the principal The Magic Begins at Home. They specialize in creating living environments for all ages, to promote wellness, functionality, and independence that continues to evolve with every unique and active lifestyle. That includes custom home modifications to enhance lifestyle, flexibility, function, safety, access, and independence on a daily level.

It is my honor to present Aging Projects, Inc. 2022 Provider of the Year Awards to Amy Siegler, OTD, OTR/L, BOCO of LimbTech and Sheila O’Conner, MA, OTR, CAPS of No Place Like Home WNC, PLLC.

• 2022 – VOLUNTER OF THE YEAR

Jim Steinbaugh
(and Baxter)

Today we honor Aging Projects, Inc., 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients.

Today’s recipients are like rare gemstones. Sparkling and brilliant. Once you meet them you will realize that they are quite unique and rare. A rare occurrence in nature. Now we aren’t taking about gemstones here. We’re talking about Baxter and the guy at the other end. You ask, at the end of what? Well, here’s where the story begins of this unique partnership bringing sunshine into the lives of people who need it and deserve it the most.

He was born an “old Soul.” Such temperament. A polite youngster. A “responsible” teenager (at least in public). As he grew, he was certified as an AKC Canine Good Citizen. Then he received national certification from The Alliance of Therapy Dogs and the team of Baxter and Jim went to “work”.

Now Baxter doesn’t consider what he does work. He brings love and a gentle touch to all he meets at assisted living facilities, adult day care and the YMCA. With his immense soul, gaze, and extension of his paw each of his “people” receive a special touch to meet their needs at the moment. Some will look and talk to him. Sometimes he sits down or looks up like they were old friends. In a visit to a blind gentleman’s room Baxter leans into his friend’s leg and positions himself within arm’s reach. Baxter brings “magic” to each of people. The most poignant example of this was his effect on a gentleman who met Baxter only three times before he died. Baxter’s presence took him back to the happiest of childhood memories that he shared with Baxter and Jim, the guy at the other end of the leash.

It is my honor to present Aging Projects, Inc. 2022 Volunteer of the Year Awards to Baxter “therapy dog extraordinaire” and Jim Steinbaugh “the guy on the other end of the leash.”